The first thefts were discovered Dec. 11 with another group of covers taken the next day.

City manager James Inman says the covers have been taken from off-road areas so no cars have been damaged. But Inman says someone could easily fall into the holes where the cast-iron covers are supposed to be.

Jamey Ramsey with Bessemer City Public Works says the covers are heavy but could probably be carried by one person. Ramsey says the covers are probably being sold at a scrap yard. Cast iron goes for about $12 per 100 pounds.

This article was provided by The Associated Press. (Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)